CRTC oks BDU ownership, control transfer from MTS to Bell; full deal still awaiting Competition Bureau approval

OTTAWA – The CRTC has given MTS the go ahead to transfer ownership and effective control of its licensed terrestrial broadcasting distribution undertakings operating in Winnipeg and surrounding areas to Bell Canada.The Commission’s decision is the first of three regulatory approvals required to complete the closing of BCE's proposed $3.9 billion acquisition of MTS. The Competition Bureau, which is still reviewing the deal as part of a merger review, must also give its thumbs up, as does Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.The CRTC stressed that it exclusively reviewed the change in ownership of the licensed BDU, and reiterated that the portion of...